Document Type
Social Sciences
Abstract
Increasing political polarization is a prominent feature of the twenty-first-century political landscape, with social media playing a significant role. This essay evaluates social media as a political platform through Hannah Arendt’s notion of the Vita Activa, which describes the political realm and the ideas of totalitarianism. Using this framework, I argue that the surging political use of social media creates digital “echo chambers” that result from the loss of human plurality, which ultimately marks the diverse nature of the political realm. I would continue to argue that these chambers evolve into the notion that Arendt notes as world alienation or loneliness, and create a sense of thoughtlessness amongst communities. This essay works against a “cyber-utopian” ideology– where social media is viewed as only in positive terms without consideration of potential downsides– and works to generate awareness of social media’s potential for being instrumentalized toward a reality characterized by totalitarian domination. Furthermore, this essay outlines how totalitarianism is not an improbable concept; rather, it stems from the loss of plurality, loneliness, and thoughtlessness highlighted by social media. Communities should therefore acknowledge these consequences of social media in the political realm to fight against potential totalitarian regimes.
Recommended Citation
Shimanek, Eden M.
(2026)
"The Dangers of Social Media in Political Theory,"
Global Tides: Vol. 20, Article 4.
Available at:
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/globaltides/vol20/iss1/4
